A YOUTH who giggled his way through a court hearing was threatened with being locked up -- and ended up behind bars.

The Nelson 15-year-old, one of a group of three who admitted being found in Pendle Borough Council yard for an unlawful purpose, had been warned by District Judge Paul Firth that the case was not funny and the judge did not "do jokes."

The youth kept on laughing and was taken into custody for the rest of the afternoon's proceedings at Burnley Magistrates Court.

He was eventually bailed along with his co-defendants to attend the youth court at Reedley next Monday.

A 17-year-old from Brierfield also pleaded guilty to damaging three vehicle interiors to the tune of £900.

A 12-year-old, who has to live where directed by social services, is also awaiting sentence for two charges of burglary.

The found on enclosed premises allegation was dropped against a 16-year-old from Nelson but he was also bailed to the youth court to answer charge of attempted theft. The district judge ordered none of the defendants be named.